Celebrating Over Two Decades of Dedication.
Helen has dedicated more than two decades of her working life to the disability and access industry, making a significant impact on countless projects and lives.
Architecture & Access extends our heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to Helen for her remarkable contributions to our organization, the industry, and the countless projects she has been involved in. After over 16 years of dedicated service, Helen has decided to retire.
Helen is a registered occupational therapist and accredited Access Consultant, known for her hands-on approach and dedication to working with people with disabilities. As a Unit Manager and Senior Access Consultant, Helen has led specialist teams to deliver projects that ensure buildings are designed and constructed in line with the National Building Code and Disability Discrimination Act, ensuring that the built environment enables people to experience life equally with confidence and dignity.
Renowned for her ability to provide compliant and realistic access solutions, Helen has been instrumental in guiding the design process and offering a full range of access consulting services. Over the past 10 years, she has played a crucial role in the growth and development of the Access Team at Architecture & Access, helping us to become the largest Access Consulting business in Australia.
Helen has also been a leader and a mentor and supporter of many Access Consultants, some of whom are now stepping into roles that support new team members.
Helen is recognised as a leader in access consulting, particularly in the area of Changing Places. She was part of the Technical Advisory project team that developed the Specifications for Changing Places in Australia, leading to the inclusion of accessible adult change facilities in the 2019 Building Code of Australia (BCA).
Helen has worked with many people who will benefit from these facilities. Including a woman with Cerebral Palsy, who endured a 15-hour journey from regional Victoria to Brisbane via air without access to suitable sanitary facilities.
Helen will continue to advocate for Changing Places in a voluntary capacity, emphasising the life-changing impact these facilities have on those who use them.
At her farewell she gifted us two fridge magnets, one with the correct spelling of manoeuvre and the other with these parting words of wisdom:
Act justly – It’s what we do through our work every day. Be passionate about making a difference. Sometimes that means holding on tightly, other times it means holding it lightly. Wisdom to know the difference is the challenge.
Love tenderly – Some of you need to be kinder to yourself. Everyone needs to be kind to each other. Architecture & Access has a special workplace here – look after it well!
Walk humbly – There is always more to learn. It’s OK to ask questions and be open to new ideas.
Image: Helen and her husband on a recent walking holiday.
Helen has provided significant support and encouragement to all of us at Architecture & Access, we are all very appreciative of you and will truly miss you. Thanking for everything, and happy retirement!
